Joining a domain over the Internet?

[Graeme1978]

Is it possible?

 

I'm trying to join a domain over the internet but not having much luck.

 

The server is Windows 2008 R2 VPS and the client is Windows 7 Pro. It seems like the client PC can see the DC because when the address is entered for it, I'm then asked for login credentials but once they're entered it hands for about 10 seconds before giving me the 'Network path was not found error'

 

Anybody successfuly achieved this?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

Graeme

[sted]

ive seen it done and did once use logmein hamachi (not sure on spelling) to do it on a vm at my house to a vm at someone elses and it did work. I think from some of the server 2012 info that it can be done and iirc its done via directaccess or a vpn

[Michael]

I'd agree with the above - a VPN solution would enable you to join a domain over the internet.

[Duke5A]

If you use a client VPN solution you're going to have to set it up so the connection stays persistent even without a user logged in to the computer. If you don't you'll be able to join the computer to the domain, but upon reboot it won't have a connection back to the domain to process the initial logon request. Cisco's VPN client has an option specifically for this. Edited March 13, 2013 by Duke5A

[dhicks]

The server is WinIt seems like the client PC can see the DC because when the address is entered for it, I'm then asked for login credentials but once they're entered it hands for about 10 seconds before giving me the 'Network path was not found error'

 

I'm guessing that might be your client PC trying to find the netlogon folder share - you'll have to make sure your netlogon share on your DC can be seen from the Internet, which sounds like rather a security risk. Also, don't forget your client will need a DNS entry for the domain itself, not just the domain controller.

[Graeme1978]

What I'm basically looking at is disposing of our SBS2003 box and moving everything onto a 2008R2 VPS in a datacentre. Looks like having a DC on a VPS is a ballache and a half. Are there any alternatives? Is it bad practice having the DC externally?

[Duke5A]

What I'm basically looking at is disposing of our SBS2003 box and moving everything onto a 2008R2 VPS in a datacentre. Looks like having a DC on a VPS is a ballache and a half. Are there any alternatives? Is it bad practice having the DC externally?

 

What you need a site to site VPN between you and the data center then. You're going to have to work out the details with them and you might need to purchase a new firewall. This isn't that odd of a setup, but be prepared for everything to stop working if that link goes down.

[Graeme1978]

Well I have the equipment on my side - but the VPS is with Fasthosts. Can the VPN run on the VPS with no additional hardware on that side?

[liveman2]

You can logon to the VPN in Windows 7 (before user logon) Connect to Windows VPN at Logon | LAN-Tech Network Management